MARYVILLE, Missouri — St. Cloud State saw its most successful basketball season since 2012 end Sunday evening.

The Huskies lost to Northern State, 68-61 in the NCAA Division II Central Regional semifinals before 609 fans at Bearcat Arena.

It was the third time the teams played, with each winning on its home court during the NSIC season. Sunday on a neutral court, the Huskies led most of the way. But the Wolves, located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, prevailed in the last five minutes.

"First, hats off to Northern State," SCSU head coach Matt Reimer said. "They did a better job on the glass than we did."

Northern State, 33-3 and ranked sixth in the nation, advances to the Central Regional final at 7 p.m. Tuesday. At stake is a berth in Division II's elite eight. The Wolves play Minnesota State-Mankato, the winner of Sunday evening's other Central Region semifinal featuring two NSIC teams. The Mavericks (24-9) beat Southwest Minnesota State (25-9), 74-70.

The Huskies (24-9) led 32-30 at halftime and led by as many as eight in the second half.

Northern State grabbed its first lead with 4:46 remaining when Darin Peterka sank a three-pointer to put the Wolves up 56-55.

St. Cloud State's Andy Foley takes a shot in Sunday's game against Northern State.(Photo: Courtesy St. Cloud State University)

Northern State led the rest of the way, but the Huskies stayed close until the end.

"We didn't have too many mistakes tonight (six turnovers). But they took advantage of them when we did."

Junior post Sean Smith led the Huskies with 21 points, nine rebounds, five blocked shots and three assists. Davis had 14 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. Jon Averkamp had 14 points.

Sean Smith(Photo: Courtesy of St. Cloud State)

"I just wanted to win this game because the last time we played them, we lost by 20," Smith said. "I wanted to win this for the two seniors (Averkamp and Andy Foley).

"I love them a lot."

Northern State was led by Logan Doyle. The 6-foot-8 senior from Alexandria had 14 points and six rebounds. He's a transfer from South Dakota State. Carter Evans, a 6-10, 250-pound senior from Rochester Century, had 11 points.

Davis also complimented Averkamp and Foley, a senior from St. Cloud Tech.

"Those two are very special players," Davis said. "They've made me a better player and I love playing with them."